Florida Man Charged In Attempted Kidnapping Of Two Easton Boys

A Florida man tried to kidnap two boys who were walking home from school in Easton on Friday afternoon, city police said.

Frank W. Paul, 50, of St. Petersburg was arraigned by District Justice Michael J. Koury Jr. on Friday night on two counts each of criminal attempt to commit kidnapping, attempted unlawful restraint, attempted false imprisonment and simple assault.

The boys, ages 10 and 11, were approached by Paul about 4 p.m in the 1000 block of Spring Garden Street, police said. Paul tried to grab them by wrapping his arm around them, but the boys were able to avoid him and ran away without being injured, police said.

Police broadcast a description of the assailant and within a short time got a call from Wilson police that he was sighted in the 1600 block of Northampton Street. Easton police said they apprehended Paul and charged him after the boys identified him as the man who tried to abduct them.